SeaWorld Christmas

Sea of Trees? Check. Winter wonderland? Check. Santa and Mrs Claus? Check. Gingerbread martini? Double check! Yes, the festive season is now firmly on the horizon and our theme parks are already raising the ante on some spectacular celebrations. And here comes SeaWorld with a whole 44 days’ worth of Yuletide magic.

Starting on November 7 and running on select days right the way through to January 5, with their Three Kings addition, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is genuinely a thing of wonder and something the whole family will enjoy, especially as it is included with general admission and has some tempting spiced-up extras with the food and beverage offerings.

In truth, SeaWorld has always been one of our seasonal favourites for the sheer excitement of their Christmas programme, which includes live shows, festive fireworks, notable traditions and an overall level of decoration that is second to none. There is also even more to enjoy this year, so let’s look ahead to what’s in store.

The Big Picture

It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year in this part of Orlando, and the big sea-life park promises it will be bigger and brighter than ever. Recognised by USA Today’s 10Best as one of the top holiday theme park events in the country, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration transforms more than 120 acres of the park into a dazzling panorama, shimmering with millions of lights and even more decorations than past events.

Virtually every corner of SeaWorld will be enhanced with holiday cheer. Guests can stroll through the glistening Sea of Trees, where sparkling trees resonate to classic songs across the main lagoon, including a towering 70-foot centrepiece that lights up the night sky. Snow flurries fall along the Waterfront, toy soldiers march, ballerinas twirl and festive fun fills the air as Christmas carols set the scene.

This season, guests can also experience fresh holiday sparkle throughout the park. Mrs Claus’ Magic Kitchen has been reimagined to blend beloved North Pole traditions with a dash of modern flair, featuring baking tips, sweet surprises and plenty of share-worthy moments. A refreshed Santa experience in the Wild Arctic gift shop brings extra joy to the season, with additional photo opportunities and all-new ways for families to create lasting memories. The big news here, though, is that 2025 will see the return of a real audience treat in the shape of Clyde & Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, a signature show at the Sea Lion & Otter Stadium, which splashes back onto the stage with its heart and humour.

Fan-Favourite Holiday Entertainment

From the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, where Elmo and friends lead a joyous holiday procession, to the uplifting big-stage performance of O Wondrous Night, featuring carols, life-size puppets and – the clincher for most families – live animals, this Christmas Celebration boasts something for everyone. The Parade happens daily at 2.30 or 4.15pm in the Sesame Street section of the park, while O Wondrous Night performs up to three times a night from 5-9pm at the Nautilus Theater. Guests can also enjoy Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show in the Seaport Theater and the stunning outdoor splendour of Winter Wonderland on Ice, a full-scale ice-skating show featuring a cast of highly skilled skaters, all set against the fabulous backdrop of the Sea of Trees.

Park-goers can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in Rudolph’s Christmastown, snap festive photos with Sesame Street friends in holiday attire, and marvel at a charming miniature Holiday Train display near the Dolphin Nursery. For a unique Floridian Christmas twist, visitors can ice skate at Bayside Stadium and glide across the beautiful Winter Wonderland ice rink alongside the lagoon (additional fee applies).

Each of the select Celebration nights then ends at 9 or 10pm with Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale, a breathtaking display of lights and pyrotechnics synced to holiday music that fills the sky with festive spirit. Take a seat at the Bayside Stadium for the best view of this fireworks extravaganza.

Seasonal Sips & Savoury Bites

When it comes to the essential extras of festive food and beverages, SeaWorld again aims to be raising the bar on their offerings, with both new and returning items in 17 locations throughout the park. From cosy comfort foods to picture-perfect drinks, every bite and sip is designed to make spirits bright!

Guests will be able to indulge in the ever-popular Joyful Chicken & Waffles or satisfy their sweet tooth with Fresh Baked Deep-Dish Cookies in decadent seasonal flavours, while the likes of Bananas Foster Beignets and Santa’s Mini Apple Pies also jostle for attention. Our top tip? The Gingerbread Cake (gingerbread spiced cake filled with Vanilla Bean mousse and dusted with powdered sugar) is a must-try for a new winter solstice sensation.

Then there’s the spicy edge to some of their signature drinks, like the Frozen S’mores Hot Chocolate for a frosty twist on a winter staple, and the toasty Gingerbread Martini. Or you can relish the tropical new holiday tradition of the Coquito, a mix of vanilla, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum and spices. At the Merry Mixes kiosk, guests can sample no fewer than four all-new concoctions, including the Winter Wonderland Hot Toddy (Jack Daniel’s Honey, Jack Daniel’s Winter Cider and Chai Tea) and the Campfire Mule (Bourbon, maple and ginger beer).

Seasonal Traditions Shine Bright

In addition to all the main set-piece events, SeaWorld also features four extra ways to celebrate the season, with traditional events geared around the festivities of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and the Four Kings.

Hanukkah Celebration: Guests can celebrate the Festival of Lights at SeaWorld Orlando. From December 14 to 21, friends and family can view the traditional lighting of the Menorah in Sesame Street Land during Hanukkah. Big Bird will also be telling Hanukkah stories throughout the celebrations.

Kwanzaa Festivities: Taking place December 26 to January 1, visitors will be able to enjoy a joyous time of reflection and celebration of African heritage, with the nightly lighting of the Kinara in Sesame Street Land.

New Year’s Eve: On December 21, guests can embrace the connection to the sea, marine life and the world we share as they ring in the New Year, SeaWorld-style, giving 2026 a wondrous welcome with bold fireworks, festive entertainment and more.

Three Kings Celebration: In honour of the cherished tradition of Latin cultures, families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy classic cuisine and extended opportunities for live performances in the Nautilus Theater, as well as the Sea of Trees with its holiday lights. Keep the spirit of the season burning brighter and longer than ever with this special event from January 2 to 5.

The details: SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs throughout the day on the following dates: November 7-8, 14-16 and 21-30; Dec 5-7 and 12-31, and January 1-5. See more on this link.

Have you visited Orlando during the Christmas period? Tell us about it on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.